Oregon’s Emergency Management Director says they expected to receive a new shipment of Personal Protective Equipment from the federal government sometime today.  Andrew Phelps said during a news conference that once it is processed at OEM’s warehouse in Wilsonville, it will be pushed out to counties and tribes and numbers on what was actually received will be released.  Phelps said no matter how much PPE the state receives in this shipment, he knows they will need more.  He added continued social distancing efforts to help flatten the curve of virus transmission helps extend their supply.  Phelps noted the state has received private donations of 200-thousand gloves, 100-thousand surgical masks, and five-thousand N-95 masks.

Local business leaders are quickly gathering information on how the economic stimulus package passed by Congress is going to work, but they’re still waiting on the details.  The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce CEO Lisa Farquharson says she was part of three different webinars on the subject on Monday, and said the Small Business Administration is working with banks to get ready for the rollout so business owners don’t have to go to a different lender.  She adds under the bill passed in Congress the SBA has to have a guide written by April 11.  Farquharson says the Mid-Columbia Economic Development District’s webpage has a compilation of links to resources for both business and individual recovery, the address is mcedd.org.

The Dalles Meals on Wheels is continuing to deliver meals to seniors during the COVID-19 crisis, but they could use some financial help from the community.  Social distancing measures forced cancellation of the organization’s weekly benefit bingo game.  Gary Patton of Meals on Wheels says that provided a large part of their funding, but they are carrying on during this time of great need.  Donations can be made by mail to The Dalles Meals on Wheels at P.O. Box 689 in The Dalles, zip code 97058.  Patton says they are currently providing daily meals for 140 seniors in The Dalles area.  Seniors who are in need of the service can call The Dalles Meals on Wheels at 541-298-8333.  Meals-to-go are also provided at noon each weekday for pickup at Mid-Columbia Senior Center, call 541-298-8333 in advance to order a meal.

The Oregon Health Authority says it has received flexibility from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to remove barriers for Oregonians to qualify for, enroll in, and stay enrolled in the Oregon Health Plan.   Oregon has also received flexibility for providers to provide care to members as the state responds to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Under the waiver, all members who are currently enrolled in the Oregon Health Plan will not lose coverage during this crisis.  Individuals can sign up for OHP without having to verify their income with their application.  They will be able to self-attest, which will help Oregonians get access to OHP coverage more quickly.  Federal stimulus payments and increased unemployment payments will not affect OHP eligibility.  They will not be counted during the application process or when members report a change in their household.  Oregon will also have additional flexibility to add to its healthcare workforce, provide treatment in temporary sites, and for paying providers during this public health emergency.

SAIF, Oregon’s workers compensation insurance company, says a new resource will help eligible businesses pay for expenses tied to making their workplaces safer against the coronavirus and responding to the impact the pandemic has had on workers.  SAIF’s $10 million coronavirus worker safety fund is designed to support employee safety, reduce injuries, and decrease exposures by helping businesses impacted by the coronavirus.  More than 53,000 SAIF policyholders across the state are eligible for funds.  Eligible expenses could include worksite cleaning and disinfection supplies; resources to reopen businesses safely after a coronavirus-related closure; resources to redesign or modify workspaces to encourage social distancing; and mental health and wellness initiatives.  Expenses incurred on or after March 1 will be considered. The application, along with additional details about the fund, can be found at saif.com/safetyfund.  SAIF will accept submissions until all funds have been expended or until the fund is no longer needed.

The unified COVID-19 command team for Wasco, Sherman, and Gilliam counties is requesting donations for its response effort.  Among the items being requested are commercial N-95 masks, non-latex gloves, surgical bonnets, booties and isolation gowns, and community created or sewn surgical masks, surgical bonnets and isolation gowns (with the patterns available upon request). Also being sought are non-perishable food items, and monetary donations may be sent to local food banks or community organizations of your choice.  The group is also developing a list of community members wishing to volunteer.  Contact Donations and Volunteer Manager Lynette Black at 541-298-3578 with offers of donations, sewing patterns for requested supplies or if you have an interest in volunteering.

The Portland District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has closed all of its recreation sites to prevent the spread of COVID-19.  The closures support the State of Oregon’s executive order to avoid unnecessary travel and practice social distancing, and also help to reduce pressure on local emergency services at a time when their capacity is lower and their focus is COVID-19.  The Corps is implementing closures by posting signs and closing gates at Portland District recreation areas located in Oregon and Washington.  The closures will remain in effect until further notice. Individuals with paid campground reservations will be contacted by email and full refunds will automatically be processed by Recreation.gov with no cancellation fees.  Individuals should not attempt to contact Recreation.gov to request a refund as that will lead to a cancellation fee being charged.

The director of Oregon’s Office of Emergency Management says they are exploring every possible avenue to keep acquiring Personal Protective Equipment for first responders.  Andrew Phelps says they are doing procurement themselves at the state level, working with federal sources, and taking donations.  Phelps said they’ll keep buying PPE for as long as it takes to meet the need, but adds it’s not easy to find.  He added they will keep buying PPE where they can until told by those who use it that they have everything they need.  Monday the Oregon Health Authority reported 58 new cases of COVID-19, bring the statewide total to 606.  The OHA also said there were three more fatalities as a result of the virus, all men aged 80 or older in western Oregon with underlying health conditions.

While maintaining social distance requirements is a big reason for the closure of nearly all public lands in the region, but it’s not the only reason.  Rachel Pawlitz of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area says another reason is to take pressure off emergency responders, adding the last thing they need right now is people trying to go out into the backcountry and put themselves in a risky position.  Pawlitz adds a number of search and rescue organizations in the region are issuing a “stay home” message to prevent having to make rescues at this time.

Two food pantries in The Dalles remain open, while several other new pantries have opened throughout Wasco County.  Columbia Gorge Food Bank director Sharon Thornberry says The Salvation Army food pantry at 623 East 3^rd is open Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., and the Columbia Gorge Community College Chinook food pantry is open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.  Thornberry indicates in a Facebook post that the Windy River Gleaners and St. Vincent de Paul Society food pantries were closed because social distancing cannot be maintained at those locations.  Distribution sites in Maupin, Wamic, Mosier and Dufur have been added, and more information on the location and time of those pantries is available at the “Columbia Gorge Food Bank” Facebook page, or call 541-370-2333.  The food pantry in Rufus has open hours.  Gilliam County has switched to a pre-packed food box which can be picked up curbside or delivered by Gilliam County Transportation.   To request delivery in Condon, call 541-626-1038 or 541-993-7699.  In Arlington, call 541-454-2885 or 541-454-5451.  Thornberry says those who would like to donate cash or gift cards can mail the to 3610 Crates Way in The Dalles, and donations of peanut butter, cereal, and snacks for kids can be dropped off at Columbia Gorge Toyota on 1900 West 6th in The Dalles.  Thornberry adds food boxes distributed typically have three to five days’ worth of food in them, and that they have plenty of food and more is coming.